Upper School Athletics

Athletics and Physical Education are integral parts of the Upper School curriculum at SSFS. Bothexperienced competitors and new athletes alike are challenged while filling our sport and PhysicalEducation requirement. We strive for competitive success in a broad variety of interscholastic sportsas established league members (Men: Potomac Valley Athletic Conference (PVAC); and Women:Independent School League (ISL)).

Varsity programs are selected based on skill and commitment. Junior Varsity teams are established when participation numbers and overall skill, commitment, and experience exist. Intramural offerings and Physical Education classes are options for those students looking to stay active in a variety of sports, and develop lifetime health and fitness goals.

The Sandy Spring Friends School Athletic Department always keeps in mind the abiding reason whysports are in schools: sports are educational and create balance for an individual. With the athleticexperience, student-athletes develop skills that complement the classroom experience. They learnhow to set long-term goals and be dedicated to them, learn how to problem solve in the midst ofpressure-filled situations, and learn to recognize the importance of honest effort, competition,contribution, and sportsmanship. The habits established through athletic competition; resilience,stamina, and perseverance, can last a lifetime.

Each Upper School student in Grades 9 and 10 is required to complete two units of physical activityper year. Each Upper School student in Grades 11 and 12 is required to complete one unit ofphysical activity per year. This requirement can be met through participation on an interscholasticsports team, an intramural team, off-campus sport participation, or by taking a Physical Educationcourse offered during the school day and/or after school.